Family-friendly Things to Do in Taupo
The shore of New Zealand’s supervolcano is an exciting place to be for all ages. Families can experience a good balance of adventure and relaxation with the wealth of child-friendly activities available in Taupo.
Hit the Tongariro River for an exciting yet safe introduction to white water rafting or relax with a coffee while the kids explore sculpture gardens or watch amazing honey bee displays.
We’ve got plenty more ideas in this list of family activities in Taupo!
Table of Contents
1. Check Out Huka Falls
A fun and free family attraction in Taupo is Huka Falls, a section of the Waikato River that suddenly squeezes into a narrow canyon shooting 220,000 litres (58,118 gallons) of water per second!
Needless to say, the sight is incredible, seen from a bridge over the falls, as well as several viewpoints alongside the river.
Tell your kids interesting facts from the interpretation panels scattered along the short walks beside the falls and enjoy this amazing photo opportunity.
See more free activities in the area in the 15 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Taupo.
Location: Huka Falls Road, approximately 10 minutes drive from Taupo town centre
© NZPocketGuide.com2. Do Some Family-Friendly White Water Rafting
You can still get the adventure fix that many of us come to New Zealand for, even with the little ones!
Raft the gentle rapids of the Tongariro River on the Tongariro Family Fun Tour with Rafting New Zealand.
Suitable for ages three and up, the interactive white water rafting trip takes you away from civilisation to enjoy 1 hr 45 mins of 20+ rapids, Maori myths and legends and a safe introduction to white water rafting.
The tour also includes a stop-in at the National Trout Centre to check out some local wildlife.
Location: Turangi, a 45-minute drive south of Taupo. Taupo transfers are available
© NZPocketGuide.com3. Hit the Mountain Biking Trails
Mountain biking is kind of a big deal around New Zealand’s largest lake where the porous volcanic soils mean that mountain biking is excellent here all year round.
What’s more, there are plenty of options for families. An excellent place to start is at the Craters Mountain Bike Park, a purpose-built bike park with a range of children’s entry-level trails.
An easy-going alternative is the Great Lake Walkway with a sealed pathway so even tots with training wheels can have a blast.
The Huka Trails linking Huka Falls, Aratiatia Dam and the Craters Mountain Bike Park are also a good way to link a few top sights with mountain biking.
Location: Check out the location of these bike trails and more in 10 Awesome Bike Around Lake Taupo.
© NZPocketGuide.com4. Explore the Sculpture Garden of Lava Glass
For a magical family adventure, step into the colourful world of Lava Glass Sculpture Garden. Just a short 10-minute drive north of Taupō, this award-winning garden is a mesmerising fusion of art and nature that will captivate visitors of all ages.
Wander through winding paths and discover over 600 stunning glass sculptures crafted by resident artist Lynden Over.
Each piece catches the light differently, creating an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colours. From vibrant flowers to whimsical shapes, the garden feels like stepping into a fairytale.
After exploring, pop into the Lava Glass Studio to watch mesmerising glassblowing demonstrations or browse unique souvenirs in the gallery. With affordable entry and a kid-friendly café on-site, it’s the perfect creative stop on your Taupō itinerary.
Location: 165 State Highway 5, Wairakei, 10 minutes drive from Taupō town centre
© Neerav Bhatt on Flickr5. Watch the Bees and Taste Honey at the Huka Honey Hive
For a deliciously sweet diversion, head to the Huka Honey Hive, a buzzing little oasis just minutes from Huka Falls.
Entry is free, and you’re welcome to indulge in complimentary tastings of artisan New Zealand honeys, meads (honey wine), liqueurs and even honey ice cream if you fancy a treat.
Beyond flavour sampling, the Hive offers live beehive displays, interactive exhibits about bees, and insights into manuka, propolis, royal jelly and more.
Kids and adults alike are drawn in by the sensory experience, while sustainable and bee-conscious messaging gives it some thoughtful depth. It’s open daily (usually 10 am–5 pm), making it an easy, feel-good stop that’s rich in both taste and education.
Location: 65 Karetoto Road, Wairakei, 10 minutes drive from Taupo town centre
© NZPocketGuide.com6. Watch the Dam Release at the Aratiatia Rapids
For a thrilling family spectacle, don’t miss the Aratiatia Rapids dam release, a choreographed eruption that transforms a dry gorge into a roaring torrent.
We love this dramatic showcase of hydropower in action. Timed releases occur three times daily in winter (April–September) and four times during summer (October–March) at 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, plus 4 pm in summer.
It’s an easy adventure for everyone. Just drive north of Taupō to the car park at the SH5 turn-off. From there, scenic walkways lead to three fantastic viewing points: the bridge by the car park, the Mid Viewpoint (a 5-minute walk), and the Top Viewpoint (another 5 minutes beyond). Each offers a unique perspective on the surge.
As the sirens sound, you’ll feel the ground rumble and hear the gates swing open. Then watch in awe as 80,000 litres per second surge into the gorge in a wild, misty spectacle.
Location: Aratiatia Road, 15 km (9.3 mi) north of Taupō town centre
© NZPocketGuide.com7. Play in a Free Thermal Pool at Spa Thermal Park
Splash into a natural geothermal wonder at Spa Thermal Park, where hot, crystal-clear waters flow into carved rock pools right beside the mighty Waikato River.
This family-friendly spot, also known as Otumuheke Stream, is a perfect mix of gentle adventure and riverside relaxation that kids and adults alike adore. The best part? It’s completely free!
Getting there is part of the fun, it’s an easy 25-minute walk from Taupō town centre or a quick drive. You’ll find handy changing rooms, lockers, and even a coffee kiosk nearby.
Ease in, soak under a small waterfall, and swap stories while you wait for everyone to cool off. According to our editor-in-chief, Laura, “It’s the perfect way to end a day of Taupō adventures.”
Location: County Avenue, Taupō, Waikato, North Island. Located at the northern end of the Taupō lakefront.
© NZPocketGuide.com8. Experience Lake Taupo
No trip to Taupō is complete without embracing the vast, shimmering expanse of Lake Taupo. This volcanic crater is so immense and clear, it feels like its own magical world.
We admire the lakefront for its shallow, calm, and crystal-clear waters, making it perfect for families. Toddlers can safely splash around in summer, while older kids and adults can swim, paddle, or simply float the day away.
Looking for that picture-perfect moment? Head to the foreshore and snap a family photo with the iconic #Lovetaupo sign. Beyond swimming, there’s a whole world of water fun to explore.
From kayaking to stand-up paddleboarding, or even taking a scenic cruise to the sculpted Maori carvings at Mine Bay (only visible from the water!), Lake Taupo offers an incredibly huge variety of options for getting on the water.
Location: Taupo lakefront, Taupo, Waikato, North Island. The lakefront stretches along the town centre.
© NZPocketGuide.com9. Jump on a Raft and Fish Tour
All year-round, you have the opportunity to experience one of Taupo’s most famous activities in a family-friendly way: trout fishing with rafting!
Yes, see why they call Taupo the “Trout Fishing Capital” when you hop onto a raft with Rafting New Zealand for a fly-fishing excursion on the Tongariro River.
You’ll get a fishing guide for just you and your family, where everyone will get the opportunity to learn some tricks for reeling in beautiful rainbow and brown trout.
Even for family members who don’t want to fish, playing in the sand to swimming in the river are more ways to enjoy your time on this fun trip in the great New Zealand outdoors!
Location: Turangi, a 45-minute drive south of Taupo. Taupo transfers are available
© NZPocketGuide.com10. Visit Turangi
Located at the south of Lake Taupo, the town of Turangi is well worth a short visit. The drive alone takes you right on the edge of cliffs boarding Lake Taupo, offering unparalleled views of the lake. O
nce in Turangi, if the weather is great you can take your tribe to an easy 1 hr 30 mins walk around Lake Rotopunamu featuring a stunning example of volcanic New Zealand bush with vibrant birdlife and even a few small beaches.
If the weather turns grey, hide in the National Trout Centre to see heaps of fish and learn more about the local wildlife.
Alternatively, the Volcanic Activity Centre is a great place to learn about the roaring underground beneath the region.
Learn more about what to do in the area in 10 Amazing Things to Do in Turangi.
Location: Turangi, a 45-minute drive south of Taupo
© NZPocketGuide.comMore About Family Activities in Taupo
That’s it for our guide to family activities in Taupo; for more information about family-friendly adventures, check out the following articles:
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Complete Travel Guide to Taupo.
Sources:
The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:
- Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
- Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
- AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
- Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
- NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
- Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2025])
- DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2025])
- Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])
- Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2025])
- Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
- TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
- Love Taupō (Regional tourism website)
- Taupō District Council (Local council website)
Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.
